Customs, NAFDAC and the Public Health of Nigerians
By Abdulsalam Mahmud,
Wealth is not solely measured by the abundance of money; good health is equally a form of wealth, as the popular saying goes. To be healthy means living free of illness, disease, or medical challenges, a privilege that remains elusive for many Nigerians.
Unfortunately, this ideal is far from reality, especially in the face of worsening economic hardship. Widespread malnutrition and hunger, driven by skyrocketing food prices, have left countless citizens vulnerable to diseases. Tragically, some Nigerians are even losing their lives to hunger, while others battle illnesses that continue to strain families and communities.
The state of public health in Nigeria is alarming, with stark statistics painting a grim picture. Life expectancy stands at just 54 years, while 86 out of every 1,000 infants do not live beyond their first year. Maternal health is equally dire, as 840 mothers per 100,000 live births succumb to preventable complications.
Communicable diseases remain pervasive, with malaria alone accounting for 27% of the global burden and tuberculosis affecting 323 per 100,000 people. Non-communicable diseases are no less deadly, causing over 550 deaths per 100,000 people in 2021.
Meanwhile, 43.6% of children suffer from stunting, a stark reflection of widespread malnutrition. Environmental and lifestyle factors further compound these challenges. Mortality from air pollution stands at 99 per 100,000, while tobacco use and alcohol consumption—at 17.4% and 9.1%, respectively—worsen health outcomes.
Despite these daunting realities, health expenditure remains critically low at just 3.03% of GDP, signaling the urgent need for robust investment in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
A significant boost to Nigeria’s public health advocacy, amidst the aforementioned challenges, however, came on November 14, 2024, when the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) formalized their partnership by signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Unveiled at the 2024 Comptroller General of Customs Annual Conference in Abuja, the partnership is focused on curbing the influx of harmful and unregulated products into the country.
Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, described the agreement as the culmination of years of dedicated dialogue and coordination between the two agencies. He highlighted the critical mandate of the Customs Service in safeguarding national security, public health, and safety.
He stated, “What we have seen today is a culmination of efforts for several months—I must say, years—of regular consultation between the two of us. This partnership is a response to a major scourge we are facing in the country.”
Emphasizing the specific provisions of the MoU, Adeniyi noted that Article 2 of the document outlined a comprehensive scope of collaboration, particularly in intelligence sharing, adding, “We’ll be talking about the exchange of intelligence between our agencies.”
CGC Adeniyi further said, sometimes, at midnight, NAFDAC DG sends intelligence to me, saying, “We learn that a suspicious container may be birthing in the morning. This kind of real-time information flow is critical to our joint efforts.”
Reflecting on the collaborative bond that has grown between NAFDAC and Customs personnel, CGC Adeniyi emphasized the hands-on commitment shown by officers at the nation’s ports and border stations.
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He said, “When we declared a state of emergency in one of our ports, we were misunderstood, but the reports we have received indicate we are just scratching the surface of illicit pharmaceutical products entering our markets. It is time for all of us to say, collectively, that this will be the beginning of the end. We are going to save Nigeria and the future of our kids from these dangerous products.”
Speaking earlier, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Professor Moji Adeyeye, described the signing of the MoU as a “significant stride,” pointing out the daily impact of the products regulated by her agency on Nigerians.
She said, “It is important because of you and me,” Adeyeye explained. “We consume at least two of our regulated products every day—food and healthcare items. This partnership is about ensuring that the food, drugs, and healthcare products we take are safe and of the highest quality.”
Professor Adeyeye highlighted the threats posed by unregulated and illicit products to national security, as some approved chemicals can be misused by criminals and terrorists, adding, “This is of national significance.” She lamented, “We have ghost companies that are not on our lists. This MoU marks the beginning of the end of such practices.”
Professor Moji further expressed gratitude for the close partnership with Customs officers, affirming that the initiative transcends individuals and agencies. She stressed that, “It’s not about NAFDAC; it’s not about Adeyeye or Adeniyi. It’s about saving the future of our country.”
Indeed, the MoU signed by Nigeria Customs and NAFDAC represents a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to safeguard public health. By formalizing this partnership, both agencies have committed to curbing the influx of harmful and unregulated products into the country, thus protecting the well-being of Nigerians and laying a solid foundation for a healthier future.
This collaboration is not merely an administrative move, but a strategic alliance aimed at combating the pervasive issues of illicit pharmaceutical products and unregulated goods that threaten national security and public health. The MoU also serves as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility of government agencies, stakeholders, and the private sector to invest in the nation’s public health.
Intelligence sharing, joint operations, and rigorous inspections at ports and border stations are just some of the steps being taken to root out dangerous products. NAFDAC’s mandate to regulate food, drugs, and healthcare items ensures that every Nigerian can access safe and quality-controlled products, while the Customs Service’s role in securing borders and monitoring imports is crucial in preventing the entry of harmful substances.
This partnership will not only enhance public health but will also build resilience against future threats, providing Nigerians with the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives. As the MoU takes effect, it symbolizes a renewed commitment to the public health of Nigerians.
The partnership between NCS and NAFDAC is a call to action for all stakeholders to come together, combining expertise, resources, and dedication to build a healthier nation. By focusing on prevention, regulation, and enforcement, both agencies are poised to save lives, reduce the burden of disease, and promote a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right for every Nigerian.
This collaboration is a step forward in ensuring that public health becomes an integral and sustainable part of national development, while helping to build a brighter, healthier future for all. Coming Together for the public health of Nigerians is no longer an option; it is a necessity.
Mahmud, Deputy Editor of PRNigeria, can be reached via: [email protected]
